I am not a writer, far from it. Except for the names and places, the stories you read are for the most part true. Still they are not biographies. Artistic license has been taken to enhance or in some cases minimize the events described. All sexual situations were between consensual adults within the framework of their story.
This is the ninth of now twelve interviews I have worked on over the last four years.
Most of these stories cover several years. I will try to keep the chapters short. I suggest you save one for reference. None of the stories are mine, any personal friend, or relative.
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I'm on the plane with Tina and Elaine heading across the county to do my first convention. It's not one of the biggest but Tina thought going a bit smaller was a good place to start. She and Elaine are sitting together several rows in front of me. They seem so excited about the possibilities they've been talking nonstop.
It's not so much I dread going to help as it was the timing of it. Cassie and Cody seem to be doing well but Donald has been struggling more of late. He's on the verge of losing another job, I just know it. Not that were really part of each other's life since I moved out, but I do still care about him if that makes sense?
Alone in my seat at thirty thousand feet I have plenty of time to reflect on my life, maybe more time than I should. Even with the passing of Penelope, Max and Lela seem to be doing well. Tina is becoming more successful, and Poole...
Poole, it always come back to him doesn't it? I look out the window and see a blanket of clouds blocking the ground below. Occasionally a brief hole appears and I am treated to the magnificent view of the countryside. Then, much too soon, it's obscured again.
It seems my relationship with Poole is much the same. In the beginning it all seemed so wonderful, so tantalizing, so exciting, I dare say even loving. I still feel that way at times, but lately, like the clouds below, I seem to be spending more time in the fog and less time being convinced it will last.
The show is only three days but the setup will take at least a week, two days just for our display. Nothing in the convention center happens fast. Designated workers must set up the display.
The electrician can't pick up a hammer, the carpenter can't run the fork lift. Between starting late and coffee breaks it's a wonder anything gets done. Fortunately Tina was prepared for just this type of situation. Her display was moderate in size and very basic in design.
Swimwear is a large contingent of the event but almost anything water or beach related was also featured. For two days when I wasn't helping out I walked around to see behind the scenes of the other vendors.
Companies big and small invested heavily for the hope of attracting vendors or marketers to partner with. Tina focused on supply vendors, mostly fabrics for her suits, and then some unique items for her store.
Elaine focused on the marketing side, looking for small boutiques and specialty stores to carry their top line suits. This year she is also scouting out larger retailers for a broader range of medium priced suits for that market.
Mr. Park, the business man from South Korea is looking to produce a line of swim suits in large volume for the discount market as well. Since they will both be very busy my job is to work with the models when they are gone and forward any leads.
The night before the event opened to the public Tina, Elaine and I sat across from each other at dinner. Tonight like the last few days focused solely on the convention. Elaine had several promising leads to pursue. Tina had started a list of booths she wanted to check out.
We each had our own room on the same floor. After dinner we hung out at the bar for a few drinks and fended off the occasional flirt. Elaine was blunt to say the least. At our age Tina and I were thrilled with the attention laughing well after we sent the bold suiter on his way.
"Goodnight Jane." Tina kissed me softly just outside my door.
"Goodnight." I replied to the two of them.
I watched as Elaine kissed Tina goodnight then continued down the hall to her room. I had just come out the bathroom from taking a shower when I looked on the floor by the entry door. A small pouch had been slipped under it containing a key card. The room number was Tina's.
"Thank you for coming." Tina pulled me in the room after she looked down the hall at Elaine's room.
"Is there a problem?" I asked concerned.
"Not now." Tina pulled me close.
I could smell the freshness of her skin and the slight dampness in her hair. Our lips pressed firmly as if it would be the only kiss we would share. It was a lovely kiss but I could feel the tenseness in her body.
"Tina are you ok?" I backed up and looked her up and down. "You're like a guitar string ready to snap."
"I will be once this show is over." Tina sighed. "I'm still not sure how she talked me into it."
"Elaine?" I asked stunned. "But I thought this was your idea?"
"To attend yes, to have a display...oh well its done now." Tina lamented
"Come here let me give you a back rub." I suggested.
Tina tried to object but she was lying naked on the bed shortly after I insisted. With her eyes closed and her head turned to one side I straddled the back of her thighs and started massaging her neck.
My fingers slowly worked down Tina's neck and over her shoulders. Kneading the muscles just under her soft skin I could feel tension she was under.
"Harder." Tina mewed.
"Why so stressed?" I asked a question that should have been obvious.
Tina didn't answer at first. I just thought she figured the question was redundant. I continued to work the knots form her shoulders when I thought I heard a sniffle.
"Tina, are you ok?" I leaned over slightly.
"No." Tina replied all choked up.
She pushed up from the bed, I lifted up on my knees and Tina rolled over facing me. I could see she was distraught the moment her watery eyes looked in mine. I settled in on top of the front of her thighs, my hands lightly gripped her sides.
"Tina what is it? The show?" I pried. Tina shook her head. "It will be fine, you're a wonderful designer." I said as Tina shook her head faster now.
"Oh Jane..." Tina brought her hands up to cover her face.
"Tell me baby, what is it." I insisted. "Is it Elaine?"
Tina shook her head shill covering her eyes with her hands.
"Is it Poole?" I randomly guessed.
Just then her whole body stiffened. Tina pulled her hands from her eyes. Tears rolled freely over her temples.
"Poole? What did he do to you?" I rose my voice.
"Nothing Jane, I swear." Tina objected fiercely.
"What then? What did he do?" I softened my approach.
Tina covered her face with her hands and shook her head. She was crying freely now her body responding in kind. I looked down and thought about what could upset someone so strong.
"Tina is it me? Did I do something?"
Tina's hands moved from her face her eyes pierced mine. I knew then what the problem was.
"Jane..." Tina reached up as I shifted back on my heels. "...it's not you its Poole."
"Oh Tina, I am so sorry. I never meant to hurt you." I started to get emotional as well.
